Thoughts are constantly moving through the mind.

They can be influenced by emotions, past experiences, the people around us, and our environment—whether that’s at home, work, or school.

Over time, these thoughts can form internal narratives. These narratives may develop from early life experiences, what we’ve been told by others, or how we’ve interpreted events in our own lives.

Where they come from can vary—but what often has the greatest impact is the meaning we attach to them, and how strongly we identify with those beliefs.

I’d like to share a personal experience.

At age 11, I developed psoriasis. It was something completely new for me and my family, as I hadn’t experienced any skin concerns prior to that.

As time went on, I attended more medical appointments and received feedback that my condition was considered severe and not responding in a typical way.

While those words were clinically intended, the way I interpreted them at the time shaped my internal narrative.

I began to view my body as difficult and unpredictable. I questioned why this was happening to me and felt a sense of frustration and confusion.

Looking back, I can recognise that this response is not uncommon—particularly during adolescence, when we’re still developing our sense of self and often rely on guidance from authority figures.

Over time, and through years of personal and professional development, my perspective began to shift.

Rather than seeing my body as working against me, I started to explore the idea that my symptoms were signals—something to be understood rather than resisted.

From my experience, this shift in perspective supported me in becoming more aware of how my lifestyle, stress levels, and daily habits influenced how I felt overall.

It also encouraged me to approach my health with more curiosity and less frustration.

This didn’t happen overnight. It took time, reflection, and a willingness to question long-held beliefs.

One resource that supported me during this process was Loving What Is by Byron Katie.

The book introduces four reflective questions that can help you explore your thoughts more deeply:

• Is it true?
• Can you be absolutely certain it’s true?
• How do you respond when you believe that thought?
• Who might you be without that thought?

These questions are not about proving yourself right or wrong, but about creating awareness around how your thoughts may be influencing your emotional responses and behaviours.

If you choose to explore this, try to approach it with openness rather than judgment.

For some people, developing this level of awareness can support a greater sense of clarity and calm in how they navigate challenges.

Everyone’s experience is different, but taking time to understand your thoughts—and where they may be coming from—can be a valuable part of your overall wellbeing.

I’d be interested to hear what insights come up for you if you explore this further.

— Irene